Hartford Citizens for Responsible Government

[admin]

According to statistics, there is approximately 1.4 children per household. Should the city put a freeze on new residential building until funding issues can be worked out with the schools?

Can/should the schools temproarily add classrooms in the former API site until the issues can be resolved and the spending approved by the residents?

Should the school board hire a PR person to help muster public support for funding?

Why did the school board wait until "critical stage" before requesting funding? Didn't they see this coming earlier?

Why weren't these questions asked earlier?

HCRG

[JK]

Thank you, Admin!

I think that you hit it all on the mark. I have said before that growth is good but needs to be done in moderation. I'm tired of seeing empty homes and driving through the mess that the construction crews drag onto the streets (replaced 2 tires now) and for what?

An obvious answer to the critical stage is of course they didn't foresee it or if they did; they just figured they would get what they want or need without a fight and without forethought. I'd like to see a long-range plan from the board. (I'd also like to see one from the City and would love to hear the Mayor's vision for the city other than his "I don't want Hartford to become a 'Bedroom Community".)

What do you think the chances are that we'll see those things?

I'd like to hear about what the plans are for the city as it grows into it's size not about a $15,000 lawn-mower that can do 0 radius turns around poles at the airport; heck -- give the juveniles who need community service something to do; let them go out there and cut around the poles with a pair of dull scissors at high noon; saves $15,000; right? I just don't think that they think some times. By they, I mean all those who are making these decisions and asking for funding. There are, if properly investigated and brainstormed, other options that are less costly.

[admin]

Hi JK -

I saw your comments in another posting as well, and that is exactly why the HCRG was formed in the first place. Granted, WM was the catalyst, but we truly believe in a "smart growth" environment. We don't believe that the leadership in Hartford - on several levels - looks beyond the end of the current calendar or beyond the current balance in the check book for making decisions that affect us all for a long time.

The school referendum is just one example. We think that the west side commercial development is another. And there are more...

Thanks for the input.

Admin